Restored Governor's Mansion nearly ready to shine again

Updated 7:55 am, Thursday, June 21, 2012

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008 but new security systems will protect the structure when the Governor and family move back in late July. less

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008 but new security systems will protect the structure when the Governor and ... more

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as furniture, artifacts, and decor are installed ahead of the Governor's return to the mansion expected in late July. less

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as ... more

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008 but new security systems will protect the structure when the Governor and family move back in late July. less

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008 but new security systems will protect the structure when the Governor and ... more

Photo: Julia Robinson

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A chandelier in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

A chandelier in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Patrick Roberts of the Professional Workroom of Design works on rehanging drapes in the southwest corner of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Patrick Roberts of the Professional Workroom of Design works on rehanging drapes in the southwest corner of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Scott Wengert, left, and Patrick Roberts, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Scott Wengert, left, and Patrick Roberts, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The east entrance to the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

The east entrance to the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Looking from the front entry hall to the west side of the building in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Looking from the front entry hall to the west side of the building in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The front entry hall of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

The front entry hall of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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A chandelier in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

A chandelier in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Scott Wengert of Professional Workroom of Design rehangs drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Scott Wengert of Professional Workroom of Design rehangs drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Jason Potts, left, and Paul Westlund, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Jason Potts, left, and Paul Westlund, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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A team from Professional Workroom Design rehangs drapery in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

A team from Professional Workroom Design rehangs drapery in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The dining room of the Governor's Mansion.

The dining room of the Governor's Mansion.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The drapes were made in the 1980's and had been removed from the Mansion prior to the 2008 fire in preparation for planned renovations.

The drapes were made in the 1980's and had been removed from the Mansion prior to the 2008 fire in preparation for planned renovations.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Drapes are hung in the Governor's Mansion after coming out of storage.

Drapes are hung in the Governor's Mansion after coming out of storage.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Patrick Roberts, left, and Scott Wengert, right, of Professional Workroom of Design, adjust hangers for drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Patrick Roberts, left, and Scott Wengert, right, of Professional Workroom of Design, adjust hangers for drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Scott Wengert of Professional Workroom of Design rehangs drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Scott Wengert of Professional Workroom of Design rehangs drapes in the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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Jason Potts, left, and Paul Westlund, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Jason Potts, left, and Paul Westlund, right, of Professional Workroom of Design rehang drapes in the dining room of the Governor's Mansion on Wednesday, June 20, 2012.

Photo: Julia Robinson

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The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as furniture, artifacts, and decor are installed ahead of the Governor's return to the mansion expected in late July. less

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as ... more

Photo: Julia Robinson

Image 21 of 40

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as furniture, artifacts, and decor are installed ahead of the Governor's return to the mansion expected in late July. less

The Governor's Mansion is almost ready for Texas' first family to resume residence. An arson fire nearly destroyed the building in 2008. Work crews are finishing landscaping, irrigation and lighting systems as ... more

Photo: Julia Robinson

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A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper walks outside the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. Earlier, the State Fire Marshal announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly damaged the mansion. less

A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper walks outside the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. Earlier, the State Fire Marshal announced a $50,000 reward for ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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Workers remove debris from the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly damaged the mansion. less

Workers remove debris from the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation. less

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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Construction workers erect a temporary roof over the Texas Governor's Mansion Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in Austin, Texas. The historic building was torched early Sunday, June 8, 2008. It left much of the home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." The unoccupied mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation. less

Construction workers erect a temporary roof over the Texas Governor's Mansion Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, in Austin, Texas. The historic building was torched early Sunday, June 8, 2008. It left much of the home ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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Texas Rangers Lt. Alvin Alexis, center, the lead investigator in the torching of the Governor's Mansion, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, July 29, 2008, in Austin, Texas. He discussed the release of security camera video, a frame of which is enlarged and shows a person of interest related to the June 8 blaze that damaged the 152-year-old building. Michael Reyes, left is the ATF Austin resident agent in charge. State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado is on the right. less

Texas Rangers Lt. Alvin Alexis, center, the lead investigator in the torching of the Governor's Mansion, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, July 29, 2008, in Austin, Texas. He discussed the release of ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation. less

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

Image 28 of 40

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation. less

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

Image 29 of 40

State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado calls for help in his arson investigation during a news conference outside the Texas governor's mansion after it burned earlier Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas. The blaze left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time. less

State Fire Marshal Paul Maldonado calls for help in his arson investigation during a news conference outside the Texas governor's mansion after it burned earlier Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas. The ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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Workers remove debris from the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly damaged the mansion. less

Workers remove debris from the fire-damaged Texas Governor's Mansion Monday, June 16, 2008, in Austin, Texas. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the fire that badly ... more

Photo: Harry Cabluck, AP

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Scaffolding surrounds the back entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board proposed plans for adding to this part of the building during a renovation and restoration following a fire that heavily damaged it in June 2008. less

Scaffolding surrounds the back entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board proposed plans for adding to this part of the building during a ... more

Photo: AP

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Scaffolding surrounds the front entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board unveiled plans for the renovation and restoration of the building following a fire that heavily damaged it in June 2008. less

Scaffolding surrounds the front entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board unveiled plans for the renovation and restoration of the building ... more

Photo: AP

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A reader defends Gov. Rick Perry for living in what critics call a "pricey" rental while the Governor's mansion was being repaired.

A reader defends Gov. Rick Perry for living in what critics call a "pricey" rental while the Governor's mansion was being repaired.

Photo: Associated Press File Photo

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The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation.

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation.

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and inflicted damage that state officials described as "bordering on catastrophic." No one was inside at the time and the cause of the blaze is unknown. The mansion had been undergoing a $10 million renovation.

The historic Texas Governor's Mansion is shown early Sunday, June 8, 2008, in Austin, Texas, after a fire swept through it earlier in the morning. The fire left much of the 150-year-old home charred and

Scaffolding surrounds the back entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board proposed plans for adding to this part of the building during a renovation and restoration following a fire that heavily damaged it in June 2008.

Scaffolding surrounds the back entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board proposed plans for adding to this part of the building during a

Scaffolding surrounds the front entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board unveiled plans for the renovation and restoration of the building following a fire that heavily damaged it in June 2008.

Scaffolding surrounds the front entrance to the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The State Preservation Board unveiled plans for the renovation and restoration of the building

The Department of Public Safety released sketches of two man they say are persons of interest in the 2008 arson of the Texas governor's mansion.

The Department of Public Safety released sketches of two man they say are persons of interest in the 2008 arson of the Texas governor's mansion.

Photo: Texas Department Of Public Safety

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Restored Governor's Mansion nearly ready to shine again

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AUSTIN — Four years after the Governor's Mansion was devastated by fire, Gov. Rick Perry and his wife are preparing to move back into the Texas treasure, restored to its historic glory.

Perry, in an interview soon after ending his presidential bid, said he was more than ready for the return. His staff said Wednesday that's expected to occur when the $25 million restoration project is completed in late July.

“I love downtown. I cannot wait to get back to where I can go out the back door of the residence over there, and hit the lake,” Perry, who spoke of his enjoyment in running at the “magnificent” Lady Bird Lake, told the San Antonio Express-News in a February interview in his Capitol office.

“It's been four years,” he said then. “Think about it. There's a whole passel — I'll bet you there's 60 members of the Legislature that have never been in it.”

Perry and his wife, Anita, moved out of the Governor's Mansion near the Capitol and into a pricey rental home about 10 miles from downtown in late 2007.

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Their move was prompted by a major renovation project for the mansion, which opened in 1856 and has been occupied by Texas governors ever since.

The project turned into a much bigger one in June 2008, when the mansion was ravaged in an as-yet unsolved arson fire.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the arson investigation will remain active until it's solved, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

An important step in the mansion's restoration was highlighted Wednesday when Perry's staff allowed news photographers to come in as workers hung drapes in the home. Historic furnishings also are being moved back into the Governor's Mansion, his staff said, including Stephen F. Austin's writing desk and the bed used by Sam Houston.

Chandeliers went up last week, and there was a buzz of activity on the grounds Wednesday as workers labored on projects including landscaping.

The restoration, paid for with $21.5 million appropriated by the Legislature and nearly $3.5 million in private donations, included not only repair and restoration but updates and improvements such as a geothermal system for cooling and heating.

Security is being enhanced with the addition of a screening facility in front of the mansion and a new guardhouse in back.

An addition was put on the mansion to allow stairways and bathrooms that are accessible for people with disabilities and to replace a porch that had been used as a bedroom with an actual bedroom.

Among items replaced was “a very dangerous stairway from 1914” that had tall risers and narrow treads, Herndon said. “People kept falling down on it,” she said, including Anita Perry.

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Governor's Mansion renovations

Cost: $21.5 million appropriated by the Legislature and nearly $3.5 million in private donations

Project costs include expenses for renting a home for the Perrys, about 10 miles from downtown. Rent started at $9,900 a month but twice was negotiated down to the current $8,500 a month.

Rental costs from Oct. 1, 2007 to May 2012 total $531,400. Pool maintenance has totaled $10,553.02.

Source: State Preservation Board, Texas Facilities Commission.

Doors, furniture and chandeliers were in storage when the fire occurred, so they were saved, Herndon said. Key interior items, including stair handrails and a historic fireplace, had been covered and also were protected.

During his prolonged absence from the official residence, Perry has drawn fire for the cost of the couple's rental. The monthly rent started at $9,900 but since has been negotiated down to $8,500.

Perry's office has defended the choice as necessary for needs including security, but that didn't stop critics from citing the cost — such as political opponents U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the 2010 GOP primary, Democratic challenger Bill White in the 2010 general election and, in the heat of the presidential race, Mitt Romney.

The Texas AFL-CIO in 2010 offered Perry a manufactured home for a $1-a-year lease, an echo of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's decision to live in a donated triple-wide mobile home when his official residence was being repaired. When Perry didn't accept, the labor group solicited applications and presented it to an activist in the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel.

“We're glad that the governor and his family are returning as neighbors,” Texas AFL-CIO spokesman Ed Sills said. The organization's office is diagonally across the street from the mansion. But Sills indicated dryly that he didn't expect an invitation when Perry returns: “We haven't been invited over in the last 10 years or so.”